A few days ago, Manny Ramirez signed a 2 year, $45 million contract with the Dodgers. A few hours later, the Cowboys cut Terrell Owens. I bring up these transactions from two different sports because both players are considered to be cancers, players who despite their talents aren’t worth the trouble. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around this thinking.
Manny Ramirez
At first glance, it appears that Manny hasn’t suffered from the “cancer” association since he will be getting over $20 million this season. I would agree that he is well paid and has no reason to complain about his current contract. My problem is that he didn’t sign with a team until March, after Spring Training has started. In fact, the only team outside of the Dodgers I ever heard was interested in signing him was the San Fransisco Giants. This blows my mind. Manny Ramirez is really good at hitting the baseball. He has done it all his career and been one of the best of all time doing so. In his career, he has never had an OPS+ below 120 and only under 140 twice in his career.
Some would argue that Manny is washed up, he’ll be 37 this season. That argument might hold more weight had he not put up Babe Ruth 1927 type numbers when he was traded to the Dodgers last season. In 53 games he hit 17 HRs with a .396 BA/ .489 OBP and a .743 Slug %. That’s a 219 OPS+! Oh, then in the playoffs he batted over .500 with 4 home runs in 8 games.
Well, the definition of a clubhouse cancer is someone who brings the team down, regardless of their play on the field. In 16 seasons, Manny has been on playoff teams 10 times. Since becoming a full time player, he has never played for a losing team.
Terrell Owens
The Dallas Cowboys cut Terrell Owens. Not only that, but I’ve heard of about 15 teams who have no interest in signing him. No interest in signing one of the top 5 WRs in NFL history. No interest in signing a guy who had 10 TDs and over 1000 yards receiving last season, a guy who has over 140 career TDs.
While I agree that the 35 year old Owens is no longer the top WR in the league, he is still very productive. He showed no signs of wearing down last year as he finished the season with 5 TDs and nearly 19 yards per catch in the final 8 games. He has also played on 8 playoff teams in his 13 year career including one Super Bowl.
Unlike Manny, TO has done quite a few things in his career to make him unlikeable. He’s angered the press and he’s even upset teammates. I don’t like the guy, but I also wouldn’t cut him. In a league that celebrates parity, he seems like he could still make a significant difference.
All things being equal (or even close to equal), I will pick the player who is a better teammate. The thing is, Manny & TO aren’t equals to the other players on the field. They are Hall of Fame players. When someone is that good, I’ll gladly ignore their antics and even their age as long as their production on the field remains at a high level. That’s what wins games, not high fives and smiles.
